In the past, most people used to travel to their place of work. With increased use of computers, the internet, and smartphones, more and more people are starting to work from home. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development?

There is no doubt that more people prefer to work from home compared to in offices. Working from home has become a norm after the COVID-19 pandemic as it offers people a much more flexible and convenient way of doing work; however, it has both pros and cons. As that is the case, I am going to discuss my point of view for both sides with evidence for each claim.

The benefits of working from home include increasing the productivity and efficiency of the employee. Research indicates that most people tend to be more concentrated at home compared to the workplace due to fewer distractions. For example, my sister, who works at a retail company located in the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), found that working from home during the pandemic allowed her to manage the online store more effectively. She achieved high sales and was recognized as the best employee, highlighting how working from home can boost productivity.

On the other hand, working from home has drawbacks. Some individuals may experience mental disturbances or depression due to isolation. For example, an employee who struggled with the solitude of remote work ended up suffering from severe depression and did not leave her apartment for a month. This demonstrates how prolonged isolation and lack of social interaction can negatively impact mental health.

In conclusion, while working from home presents both advantages and disadvantages, the benefits generally outweigh the drawbacks. To mitigate the cons, employees should take regular breaks, engage in social interactions, and manage their workload effectively to maintain both productivity and mental well-being.